A Look at the Nativity Story, Parables of Jesus and Easter
Christianity is a religion that places great emphasis on forgiveness. The story of Christmas, or the nativity, teaches us about the power of forgiving others. In Luke 2:1-7, we read about Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for a census. They were unable to find any accommodations and had to sleep in a stable with animals. This was not an ideal situation, but they accepted it as God’s will. When Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds who were tending their flocks nearby. These shepherds then went to visit the baby Jesus and praised him as “the Savior” (Luke 2:11).
Jesus taught his disciples many parables about forgiveness. One such parable is found in Matthew 18:23-35. It tells the story of a man who owed his master a large sum of money. When he could not pay back the debt, the master decided to cancel it. However, when this same man encountered someone who owed him a much smaller amount, he refused to show mercy and demanded payment in full. The master was angry with this behavior and said, “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?”(Matthew 18:33) This shows how important forgiveness is in our relationships with one another.
Easter and the Resurrection are also examples of the importance of forgiveness in Christianity. On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified and died for our sins. But on Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead! This ultimate example of forgiveness shows us that no matter what we have done, God can still love us and offer us new life through Christ. We too should strive to practice forgiveness in our own lives so that we may experience the joy and freedom that comes from letting go of grudges and bitterness.
In today’s world, forgiveness plays a vital role in maintaining healthy relationships. Whether it be between family members, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, forgiveness allows us to move past hurt feelings and conflicts. Practicing forgiveness does not mean condoning bad behavior or excusing wrongdoings. Rather, it means choosing to let go of negative emotions and focusing instead on reconciling and rebuilding trust. As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus’ example by loving our neighbors as ourselves and seeking to build up rather than tear down. By practicing forgiveness daily, we can live out this calling and bring hope and healing to those around us.
